Scolpaig Tower is a 19th-century castellated folly erected on an island in a small loch by Dr Alexander MacLeod of Balelone (see Kilphedder Cross). Don't be fooled by the Victorian appearance; the tower was built with stone scavenged from an earlier Iron Age dun. You could stretch a point and call Scolpaig a dun, but that would give the wrong impression of the site.
History
Around 1820 Dr MacLeod, for reasons best known to himself, decided to pull down the Iron Age remains and create a mock medieval tower in its place.
One rather kind interpretation is that the doctor was concerned about the living conditions of the islanders and came up with his folly-building plan as a make-work project to provide employment.
Whatever the reason, the tower is certainly eye-catching as you drive along the western coastal road. You can cross to the island if the water level is low and you have a good pair of rubber boots, but the folly is a shell, with the interior inhabited only by birds.
More Photos
About Scolpaig Tower
Address: A865,
Scolpaig,
North Uist,
Western Isles,
Scotland
Attraction Type: Historic Building
Location: Immediately west of the A865, north west corner of Norh Uist. Access to the lochan across farm fields, but good views from the road.
Website: Scolpaig Tower
Location map
OS: NF730750
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Opening Details: Open access site, usually accessible at any reasonable time
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Historic Time Periods:
Find other attractions tagged with:
19th century (Time Period) - Iron Age (Architecture) - Medieval (Time Period) - Victorian (Time Period) -
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Kilphedder Cross - 0.5 miles (Historic Church) 
South Clettreval Chambered Cairn - 2.5 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Balranald RSPB Reserve - 3.1 miles (Countryside) 
Beinn a' Charra Standing Stone - 5 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Dun Aonghais - 7.8 miles (Historic Building) 
Barpa Langass Chambered Cairn - 8.8 miles (Prehistoric Site) 
Pobull Fhinn Stone Circle - 9.3 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Dun an Sticir - 10.4 miles (Historic Building)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Scolpaig Tower:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Scolpaig Tower. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
Glendale, Highlands and Islands
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £988 - 2809
More self catering near Scolpaig Tower
